Audit Formats to Choose From
| Option | Cost Range | Turnaround | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desktop audit | $250-$400 | 2 business days | Re-orders with trusted partners |
| Virtual audit | $450-$650 | 4 business days | When travel is restricted |
| Onsite audit | $680-$1,100 | 5-7 business days | First order or high-risk categories |
30-Point Checklist (Keep it in Aussie English)
- Business licence matches quoted factory name.
- ISO, BSCI, Sedex or local certifications current.
- Ownership of key production equipment (no hidden subcontracting).
- Daily/weekly capacity compared with your forecast.
- Raw-material traceability and batch records.
- Incoming QC records for last 3 months.
- In-process checkpoints (photos or live video).
- Finished goods inspection ratio (AQL levels).
- Calibration certificates for testing tools.
- Employee training logs (especially for electrical items).
- Social compliance (PPE, emergency exits, timecards).
- Power-backup plan for factories in South China monsoon areas.
- Data security for OEM or licensed artwork.
- Packaging area cleanliness and pest control contracts.
- Warehouse racking weight limits displayed.
- Moisture control for timber/textiles (desiccant logs).
- Sample retention area labelled with client names.
- Tooling ownership agreements signed.
- NDA / exclusivity paperwork sighted.
- Insurance coverage copies.
- Export experience to Australia (ask for recent bills of lading).
- English-speaking contact for production floor.
- Lead-time tracker (plan vs actual in 2025 peak season).
- Contingency suppliers for key materials.
- Cyber risk plan if using cloud-based PLM.
- Photo ID of legal rep for contract signing.
- Ability to segregate SKUs that need ACCC, RCM, or WELS compliance.
- Waste-management certificates (important for eco brands).
- Existing Aussie client references (ask before you travel).
- Spot measurement of sample unit weight/dimensions.
Audit Scoring Template
| Area | Weight | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Quality systems | 30% | ≥24 |
| Capacity & planning | 20% | ≥15 |
| Social compliance | 15% | ≥11 |
| Security & IP | 10% | ≥7 |
| Sustainability | 10% | ≥7 |
| Customer references | 15% | ≥11 |
Anything under 80% overall should trigger corrective actions or a secondary supplier search.
Remote Audit Tips
- •Request a live walkthrough at random times to avoid staged footage.
- •Use laser distance or scale checks on camera to confirm measurements.
- •Record the session (with permission) so engineers in Australia can review later.
Post-Audit Actions
- Issue a CAP (Corrective Action Plan) with deadlines.
- Schedule a follow-up inspection before shipment.
- Tie payments to CAP completion to keep leverage.
Spotyard’s sourcing arm bundles these audits with factory matchmaking, so you only negotiate with vetted partners.
Book an Audit | Request Sourcing Support
How Spotyard Helps
Our sourcing managers in Shenzhen, Ningbo, and Guangzhou provide:
- •Factory vetting, contract negotiation, and MOQ planning
- •Inline inspections tied to Spotyard's QA playbooks
- •Logistics handoff directly into Spotyard freight programs